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For the Love of Victor Hugo: Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame de Paris
Pretty sure you may have heard about Notre-Dame
de Paris at least once or twice. If you know about Victor
Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame or Disney’s animated musical drama
film of Quasimodo, then this is a
must go when in Paris. This historical cathedral is one of the finest examples
of French Gothic architecture
and is among the most well-known church buildings in the world. I say yes for
architecture, but maybe for Gothic style, ‘cos I never really figured out if
Goth and Gothic are the same. Lol. Not until I saw this one of a kind
structural design, I’m all for Gothic-inspired.
This much revered Romanesque architectural masterpiece is one of the busiest Churches in Paris. In the Christian world, it’s where the Cathedra sits. Cathedra is the official chair of the archbishop of Paris, and every so often, he would give a ceremony here. Even from a far corner, it’s difficult not to notice this. Almost every street postcard and cafĂ© corner shows a picture of this cathedral, either in postcards, or on wall decors, and even ceramics. So, once you head to this place, even from afar, you’ll know it’s the Notre-Dame. The best way to go though is by foot, just like the rest of Paris’ landmarks, because the area gets too crowded at any time of the day and traffic sets in every so often.
Gothic architecture is a far cry from the concept of Goth. Gothic architecture is actually a French thing, which started during the latter part of the Renaissance era. It’s all about pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and complex details. This style pervaded during the era of colonization and it’s just good that everything got preserved up to this day. The exteriors alone forced my jaw to drop out of nowhere. The worn off gray stones of gargoyles, chimeras, and other figures are just staggering. The interiors on the other hand are out of this world. I’ve never seen such kind of religious grandiosity preserved placed in a church as classic as this one. I could easily imagine the cathedral’s organs and bells playing while the heaven’s open up.
From books to animated films to followers all over the world, now I fully understand why “French-inspired” is indeed inspiring. It sets its first impression with so much flawlessness, you can’t help but feel moved and encouraged all throughout. For a place as timeworn as Notre-Dame de Paris, it is one of the places that will make you feel inspired instantly, and what’s more, it leaves a lasting impression all the way.
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
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